Stomach surgery to lose weight, also called weight-loss or bariatric surgery, permanently changes your digestive system in order to limit the amount of food you can eat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Gastric bypass surgery is the most commonly performed type of weight-loss surgery in America. Gastric bypass isn't considered a cure-all for obesity, but along with diet and exercise it can be an important tool in weight loss and lifelong weight management. It comes with serious risks and side effects that should be considered prior to having the surgery.
Types
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery works to assist patients with weight loss by decreasing food intake and absorption, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). In Roux-en-Y surgery, the stomach is stapled to create a small pouch and is then connected to the middle portion of the small intestine, bypassing another section of the small intestine. Another type of gastric bypass surgery is biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, in which about 80 percent of the stomach is removed, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Risks
Gastric bypass surgery comes with general surgery risks of bleeding and infection. In addition, gastric bypass patients can experience vitamin and mineral deficiency, dehydration, gallstones, kidney stones, low blood sugar and hernia at the incision site. More severe complications include blood clots, leaking at the staple lines, pneumonia, dumping syndrome and even death.
Requirements
To qualify for gastric bypass surgery, you should have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher for at least five years, or a BMI of 35 with accompanying medical issues related to your weight. You also must show evidence of prior attempts to lose weight, either self-directed, through a commercial weight loss program or with a doctor's supervision. Many insurance companies will require proof of attempted weight loss that is medically supervised. Conditions that can disqualify you from having gastric bypass surgery are psychosis, Crohn's disease or other intestinal disease, and cancer or other serious conditions.
After the Surgery
Patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery aren't able to eat for one or two days after. Then, you are restricted to a liquid diet of water, broth, juice, milk and certain soups for another one or two days. A diet of pureed foods similar to thick liquids follows for up to four weeks before you can eat soft foods. You must eat several small meals daily at first before resuming regular eating patterns. You must also eat slowly and carefully chew your food, and take vitamins and supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Considerations
Gastric bypass surgery can cost up to $25,000, according to the NIDDK, so prospective candidates for surgery should weigh the costs and benefits carefully. The Mayo Clinic estimates that gastric bypass patients can lose up to 60 percent of their excess weight within the first two years following surgery, and many patients lose much more. However, for successful gastric bypass surgery, patients need to commit to a healthy diet and exercise, and follow the strict guidelines to prevent complications and minimize risk.
